MEET THE SIYAFUNDA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
TEAM
NGO Leadership in South Africa
Meet the Siyafunda Team
Our dedicated NGO team in South Africa drives the Siyafunda mission forward with passion, innovation, and accountability. Together, this experienced group of leaders and STEM education facilitators ensures that Siyafunda Education Foundation continues to empower learners, strengthen communities, and shape the future of education.
SEF Board Members
Chair of Infinite Possibilities
Marsha Solomon
Marsha Cindy Solomon is an accomplished academic leader with over 17 years’ experience in the South African TVET sector. Currently serving as an Academic Assistant Director, she fulfils multiple senior roles focused on academic innovation, curriculum strategy, and student success. Marsha holds a BA hons degree and 2 Post graduate degrees in Education and Strategic TVET Leadership and Corporate Governance. She is a registered assessor and moderator and served 10years on the World Skills ZA board. A passionate mentor and founder of Career Smart, she champions student development and skills readiness.
Financial Maestro
Wouter Van Schaik
Founder/Director of FD on Call and Accounts on Call, revolutionising financial management for SMEs to large corporations in the Western Cape. Wouter's innovative approach offers the expertise of a seasoned Chartered Accountant, structuring businesses for growth without the overheads. His vision ensures that your financial direction is always aligned with prosperity, paying only for your needed expertise.
Guardian of Legality
Nicky Lurwengu
Seasoned leader with a track record of excellence from SRC President to his pivotal role at Eduvos. Currently shining as the Director of Operations at LE Consult Group since 2016, he's the driving force behind labour relations, steering disciplinary hearings, wage negotiations, and more with unmatched expertise in labour law.
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Visionary Marketer
Amanda Lambe
As a servant leader, mentoring and growing young people is non-negotiable for Amanda. Her career spans both the financial services and advertising sectors, with extensive integrated marketing & strategic comms and people management experience. She strives to create a culture of transparency and respect where people feel empowered to be themselves and consistently deliver their best work.
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Ambassador of Connection
Jamie Wyngaard
Jamie Thurston Wyngaard is an award-winning South African entrepreneur and Invest Cape Town Ambassador, with a strong passion for education, youth development, and inclusive economic opportunity. He is the Co-founder of Loop, a technology company focused on improving access to mobility, payments, and economic participation, particularly for underserved communities. With a background in biotechnology, design thinking, and business development, Jamie brings a practical, systems-driven, and impact-focused perspective to the Siyafunda Education Foundation board. He is especially passionate about creating opportunities that empower young people to grow, succeed, and contribute meaningfully to society.
SEF Directors
Felix Spies
Felix Spies is the founder and CEO of the Siyafunda Education Foundation and is dedicated to providing quality access to STEM education through innovative, community-driven programs. With a BSc Human Life Sciences and Psychology from Stellenbosch University, Felix furthered his education with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Cape Town and a BEd Honours in Educational Management from North-West University.
He also completed the short learning programmes in Coding and Robotics at UNISA. He was awarded the Hidden Heroes Academic Scholarship from Henley Business School to complete his Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice and is currently in his final stages of completing his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at Henley Business School under the Deans Scholarship.
Felix's passion for education and community empowerment led him to establish the Siyafunda Education Foundation in 2018, aiming to bridge the gap in STEM education for learners in under-resourced areas. His work emphasizes the importance of coding and robotics in preparing youth for the future job market.
Erica Wicomb
A mission-driven leader with over 30 years of cross-sector experience, Erica is dedicated to advancing education, skills development and social impact in South Africa. Her work focuses on strengthening systems that enable young people to thrive, from improving school environments to expanding access to work-ready skills. With a strong track record in ecosystem building and board leadership, she is known for her collaborative approach and ability to connect strategy with practical implementation to drive meaningful, lasting change.
Wouter Van Schaik
Founder/Director of FD on Call and Accounts on Call, revolutionising financial management for SMEs to large corporations in the Western Cape. Wouter's innovative approach offers the expertise of a seasoned Chartered Accountant, structuring businesses for growth without the overheads. His vision ensures that your financial direction is always aligned with prosperity, paying only for your needed expertise.
Operational Staff
CEO
Felix Spies
Felix Spies is the founder and CEO of the Siyafunda Education Foundation and is dedicated to providing quality access to STEM education through innovative, community-driven programs. With a BSc Human Life Sciences and Psychology from Stellenbosch University, Felix furthered his education with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Cape Town and a BEd Honours in Educational Management from North-West University.
He also completed the short learning programmes in Coding and Robotics at UNISA. He was awarded the Hidden Heroes Academic Scholarship from Henley Business School to complete his Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice and is currently in his final stages of completing his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at Henley Business School under the Deans Scholarship.
Felix's passion for education and community empowerment led him to establish the Siyafunda Education Foundation in 2018, aiming to bridge the gap in STEM education for learners in under-resourced areas. His work emphasizes the importance of coding and robotics in preparing youth for the future job market.
Leadership Luminary
Heine Kulsen
Our esteemed Northern Cape Programme Coordinator with an extensive background in education management. With a B.Ed. (Hons) and currently pursuing an M.Ed., Heine brings over 29 years of diverse educational experience, having served as Departmental Head, Acting Principal, and Principal. His expertise is bolstered by a range of qualifications, from SACE and NHBRC certificates to specialized training in anti-bullying, strategic planning, and financial management for educational leaders. Heine's dedication extends beyond administrative roles, actively supporting and nurturing both students and educators through innovative solutions and pastoral care.
Performance Maestro
Mfundo Gwamanda
Mfundo is a passionate youth leader and recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Gold Award. Recognised for his academic dedication, he has received two full tuition bursaries from Boston City Campus, where he is currently completing his Bachelor of Social Science. Mfundo was also selected to meet Prince William during the Royal’s visit to South Africa in 2023. With deep respect for his roots and a commitment to personal growth, Mfundo brings a grounded, purpose-driven energy to SEF’s mission of empowering youth through education.